Uncompromising simplicity marks the American Bible Society's translation of the Contemporary English Version (CEV), which was first published in 1995. The CEV is not a paraphrase; it is an accurate and faithful translation of the original manuscripts. It has been described as a "user-friendly" translation that can be read aloud without stumbling, heard without misunderstanding, and listened to with enjoyment and appreciation because the language is contemporary and the style is lucid and lyrical.